PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Brianna Palmer, Intern at Covenant House New York
2:10:34
ยท
4 min
Brianna Palmer, an intern at Covenant House New York and a trafficking survivor, testified in support of Intro 831, which would require annual reporting on missing persons cases in New York City. She emphasized the importance of this legislation in addressing the link between missing persons and human trafficking, particularly among vulnerable youth.
- Palmer highlighted how the proposed data collection and reporting would help identify trends, allocate resources, and improve interventions for at-risk individuals.
- She shared that Covenant House New York serves over 1600 homeless youth annually, many of whom have experienced or are at risk of trafficking.
- The testimony underscored the importance of transparent data in crafting effective policies and supporting the work of organizations like Covenant House New York.
Brianna Palmer
2:10:34
Good afternoon, all.
2:10:35
My name is Brianna Palmer, and I am an intern working with the anti human trafficking team at Covenant House New York where we serve youth ages 16 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness.
2:10:46
Many of these young people are survivors of human trafficking or have been at heightened risk of victimization.
2:10:52
I want to thank the Committee on Public Safety and the bill sponsors, council members Lewis Stevens, Riley Ressler, Farias Williams, Brooks Powers, and Schulman for the opportunity to testify in support of intro number 831.
2:11:12
Covenant House New York is the largest provider of services to homeless youth in New York City, serving over 1600 young people annually.
2:11:20
Beyond providing safe shelter, we offer a comprehensive array of services, including medical care, mental health health services, education, employment training, and critical legal assistance.
2:11:31
Many of the young people who come to us have faced unimaginable trauma, including trafficking.
2:11:37
The issue of missing persons is deeply intertwined with human trafficking.
2:11:42
At Covenant House New York, we know that when young people go missing, especially those from marginalized communities, they often become vulnerable to exploitation, including sex and labor trafficking.
2:11:53
This proposed legislation represents a critical step forward toward addressing these vulnerabilities by requiring a comprehensive and annual reporting on missing persons cases in New York City.
2:12:05
Having accurate and transparent data is essential to understanding the scope of the problem and crafting effective interventions.
2:12:13
By disaggregating missing persons data by age, race, gender, and precinct, as well as including information on cases linked to trafficking, this bill provides a framework for identifying trends and responding more effectively to the needs of at risk individuals.
2:12:30
Mandating annual reports will highlight systemic disparities and trends in missing persons cases.
2:12:36
The disaggregation of data ensures that we can see which populations are disproportionately affected and allocate resources accordingly.
2:12:45
Requiring data on the percentage of resolved cases that involve trafficking victims underscores the link between missing persons and exploitation.
2:12:53
This information would be invaluable for organizations like ours, which work timeless which work tirelessly to support survivors and prevent trafficking.
2:13:02
By institutionalizing this reporting, the NYPD will be better positioned to identify patterns, improve investigative strategies, and collaborate with community organizations to prevent to protect vulnerable individuals.
2:13:16
This accountability also ensures that policies are data driven and reflective of the realities faced by marginalized communities.
2:13:24
At Covenant House New York, many of the people we serve have been reported missing at some point in their lives.
2:13:30
As a trafficking survivor myself, this was also true for me during my experience.
2:13:36
These missing persons are often the first indication these missing persons reports are often the first indication that a youth is in danger of exploitation.
2:13:44
Unfortunately, existing gaps in reporting, data collection, and coordination have made it difficult it difficult to track these cases effectively and provide the in interventions needed to prevent harm.
2:13:56
This legislation will give organizations like ours the data needed to advocate for survivors, inform our services, and partner more effectively with law enforcement and policy makers.
2:14:07
Additionally, it will send a clear message that New York City prioritizes, the safety of its most vulnerable residents.
2:14:14
We are grateful to the sponsors of this bill for recognizing the importance and transparency and accountability in addressing missing persons cases.
2:14:22
Your leadership will not only prevent trafficking and exploitation, but also support the efforts of organizations like Covenant House New York that work daily to help young people reclaim their futures.
2:14:34
I urge the city council to pass intro number 831.
2:14:38
By doing so, we take a meaningful step forward, protecting our city's most vulnerable individuals and ensuring that no missing person is overlooked.
2:14:47
Thank you for your time and commitment to this critical issue.
2:14:50
Together, we can make New York City a safer and more equitable place for all of its residents.
2:14:55
Thank you.